Soldier's father received coin following his injury in Iraq

A Fayette County man is hoping a Purple Heart coin presented to him for his son's bravery in the U.S. Army will be returned to him following a burglary at his home.

Rosalie and Wes Boots of Menallen Township said someone broke into their home Thursday.

"I said to Rosalie, 'I don't have a key on this keychain.' Then I looked and said, 'Whoops. I guess we won't need it.' Because apparently a crowbar had been used to pull this piece off and snap the door open," Wes said.

Wes said his house was ransacked, but the thief only stole some jewelry custom-made for his wife by her late brother and a Purple Heart coin for his son's service injury. Tim Boots served in Iraq in 2005 and was injured when an insurgent drove right into the Humvee he was driving. Wes said his son turned his vehicle to hit the enemy head-on, a move that likely saved his comrades from being injured. Tim's right leg had to be amputated from the knee down. He was given the Purple Heart medal, and his father was given a Purple Heart coin.

"We certainly are sad to have lost it. We wish we had it, but the most important thing is that we have him," Wes said.

According to Wes, Rosalie visited area pawn shops on Saturday to notify owners of the stolen goods in hopes if they turned up, the Boots would be notified.

State police in Uniontown are also investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call them at (724) 439-7111.